Really loved your meditation on BBC Sherlock. I believe that S4 is when Mofftiss upped their game play with The Sherlockian Game in an advanced form, as both Gatiss and Moffat are invested in their knowledge. ‘The Game is On’ is their battle cry and announcement to the world to start trying to work out how the game slithers through the entire series. Your conclusion meets the challenge perfectly.
I recall my Dad teaching me this game and as the game evolved, the endgame was to have Sherlock and John not only solve a crime but survive it. The game player must return the pieces to Baker St, alive and well. However Sherlock and John can learn, change, and mature in the playing of this game. You have mastered the aim and consequences. Sherlock must never die. He has to live to play another game. Wiser and kinder.
I just loved how you wove the Mofftiss Variant of the Game and the threat of death together. It’s great reading and offers clarification of the mess that was S4. Excellent Meditation.
Thank you for the thoughtful response! I wrote that meta ages ago but I'm so glad it still resonates with people.